How to Design Your Day: Tips for Busy Therapists, with Katie Lee

April 11, 2017 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Katie Lee is a daily life designer. I first heard her share her message on this episode of Being Boss, and I was intrigued. The way that Katie talks about the moments of our days is both challenging and inspiring; her ideas easily drew me in.

I invited Katie to talk with me about her work, as well as systems that busy therapists can use to live and work more intentionally. Here's our chat, followed by the transcript:

The Art and Science of Therapy as Craft

April 4, 2017 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Dr. Anna Lynn Schooley, professor and family therapist, joined me recently for a conversation about therapy as a craft. AnnaLynn is a professor, clinical supervisor, licensed therapist in mental health and marriage and family therapy. She identifies as a family therapist; as a result, our chat leans toward a systemic view of therapy and clients.

Recently, I have been hearing more and more that master therapists view therapy as a conversational craft. Bill Doherty mentioned it in a talk he gave in November of 2016, and Elliott Connie also emphasizes this point. I invited AnnaLynn to discuss this topic, because she is a master therapist and teacher.

Unique Characteristics of Cohabiters Seeking Therapy: A Synopsis

March 28, 2017 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

The January issue of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy included an article by Shannon and Bartle-Herring, in which they present result from their study on the differences between cohabiting and married couples in therapy. The article's title is Unique Characteristics of Cohabiters Seeking Therapy, and in this post, I summarize the authors' conclusions and present implications for therapists.

Family of Origin Exploration for the Therapist: How to Add Relational Dynamics to Your Genogram

March 21, 2017 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Relational dynamics are also referred to as relationship patterns or relationship lines; they are the symbols used on a genogram to connect people, as well as illustrate details about their relationship.

In today's post, I will provide symbols for the five fundamental relational dynamics (closeness, distance, cut-off, fusion/enmeshment, and conflict), and show you how to add them to your genogram.